UN Chief Ban Ki-moon has asked Israel to end the blockade in Gaza, stop the construction of the wall in West Bank, and cease violating human rights of Palestinian children in detention.

In his latest report on human rights of the Palestinians, Ban stressed that the blockade of Gaza, which is in its third year amounts to “collective punishment”, and is violation of right to food, water, health, work and adequate standard of living of the Palestinian people.

“The Government of Israel should end the blockade of Gaza, which is having a negative impact on the humanitarian and human rights situation of the civilian population,” Ban said in the annual report addressed to the General Assembly.

“In particular, the Government of Israel should allow unimpeded access to Gaza for humanitarian aid and the non-humanitarian goods needed for the reconstruction of properties and infrastructure,” he added.

The Secretary-General also calls on Israeli authorities to ease restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank through checkpoints, road blocks, the Wall, closed military zones, prohibited roads and permit requirements.

“The severe restrictions on the freedom of movement of Palestinians living in the West Bank represent a major human rights concern,” he noted.

Access to approximately one third of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is completely prohibited to Palestinians without a special permit issued by the Israeli military,” according to the report.

The report further described that even with a special permit driving a vehicle with a Palestinian number plate in restricted areas is prohibited under all circumstances.

... contd.